An EIN (Employer Identification Number) identifies an organization to the Federal government -- in particular, the IRS. It is used for way more than just employers. An EIN is a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), as is an SSN (Social Security Number). You need an EIN before you can do most anything with the IRS. You get an EIN first, then start applying for tax-exempt status or whatever.

This EIN page states:

• "Every organization must have an employer identification number, even if it will not have employees"
• EIN is not a "tax-exempt number"
• Tax-exempt numbers are usually assigned by state agencies

Application is required to be submitted by principle officer, with SSN, and such. I think that means Ted, not me.

Application process links:

• EIN main page
• Form SS-4 Instructions (PDF), formal instructions for application form
• Understanding Your EIN (PDF), comprehensive guide to EIN, including application process and form
• Online application form help - One-page guide
• Online application form itself - Needs cookies, JavaScript. Safe to view without intent to submit.
• Form SS-4 (PDF), the print version of the form